Friday, December 19, 2003
Philippians 4:1-3

"Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will inherit the kingdom of God." (Matthew 5:9) God bless the Apostle Paul! Instead of accusing or taking sides, Paul is trying to make peace by helping these two women to work together. How beautiful it is when we work together!

This event reminds me of when my wife and I went on a mission trip to Europe where more than 5,000 people from over 70 countries were spreading the Gospel of Christ. After a week of training in Germany, we spent three weeks in London doing door to door evangelism. We were a group of 75 people, from over 35 countries working and living in a small Baptist Church. Yes, we were all from different countries, languages, and cultures, but there was something that made this mission trip special: we were together because of Christ!

From Puerto Rico, Holland, South Korea, Brasil, Ireland, Egypt, and many other places, God brought us together to fulfill a call and a mission. When we were knocking on doors in London we were amazed to find that many of the residents were from from India, Venezuela, Portugal, Africa, the Middle East, and many other places!

This event really shaped my life and my call as a Christian. It helped me to understand that I am not alone in my journey. There are millions and millions of people around the world confessing and living their faith in Christ. What a joy and comfort! Millions of Christians committed and with one purpose in mind and heart: to share the Good News of Christ!

Can you imagine what a wonderful and beautiful world it would be, if Christians around the world put aside all their differences and set their eyes on Jesus. Is this an impossible dream? Is this a star that we can not reach? Is it not a miracle that God can do for the good of all of us, if we allow him to?

Yes, "blessed are the peacemakers", and blessed are those who open their hearts, minds, and doors to their fellow brothers and sisters and invite them to sit, to eat, to fellowship, to love, and to be with God. In this season of Advent, this message of hope can give us the eyes to see this miracle in our churches, communities, families, countries, and the whole world. "One God, one Christ, one Spirit, and one undivided Church."

Diego Orsini


All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.